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Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

4.5 from 120 reviews

Cheeseburger Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic cheeseburger flavors like pickles, ketchup, and mustard. This quick and easy one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Onions: Using the same pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo back into the pot followed by shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  7. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Adjust flavorings if needed.
  8. Rest the Dish: Remove the pot from heat and let the orzo mixture sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  9. Serve: Spoon the cheeseburger orzo into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.

Notes

  • For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking the beef.
  • Feel free to use cheddar cheese slices if shredded cheese is unavailable, just chop into small pieces to help melting.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Adding a side of steamed vegetables can help balance the meal with extra nutrients.

Keywords: cheeseburger orzo, orzo pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, quick easy dinner, one pot meal, comfort food